The object of war is victory; that of victory is conquest; and

O children of the future, gather close and listen to the profound wisdom of Montesquieu, for his words ring with the truth of ages past and the lessons of countless conflicts that have shaped the world. He spoke thus: "The object of war is victory; that of victory is conquest; and that of conquest preservation." These words, though simple, carry the weight of centuries of human endeavor, for in them lies the very essence of war, victory, and the ceaseless drive that guides the actions of men and nations.

To understand this truth, we must first look upon the nature of war. War, O children, is not a pursuit born of mere whim. It is a struggle for survival, for power, and for the right to shape the future. Victory is the ultimate prize in this struggle, the culmination of sacrifice and bloodshed. But do not be fooled, for victory is not an end in itself. As Montesquieu teaches, the true purpose of victory is not mere triumph, but conquest—the domination of the enemy, the establishment of control over lands and peoples. Victory, in this sense, is but a stepping stone, the opening of a new chapter where power and influence are not only gained but must be sustained.

Consider the ancient conquests of Alexander the Great, whose name is forever etched in the annals of history. He sought not only to win, but to conquer the vast lands of the East, from Greece to Egypt and India. His victories were legendary, but his true test lay in what came afterward: the need to preserve those conquests. The lands he claimed, the people he ruled, required not just military strength, but the wisdom to govern, to unite the diverse cultures under his banner. Alexander’s conquests were vast, but his ability to preserve the empire he built would become the true measure of his success. For it is one thing to conquer, but far more difficult to keep what you have won.

In the same vein, Napoleon Bonaparte, whose name still stirs the imagination, sought conquest not only for personal glory but to shape the very course of Europe. After his stunning victories across the continent, Napoleon faced the same challenge as his predecessors: how to preserve what had been won. His empire, built on the backs of countless soldiers, faced constant threats from coalitions that sought to undo his triumphs. Despite his military genius, Napoleon's inability to preserve the empire he had created—both through internal unrest and the external pressures of his enemies—led to his downfall. His story is a stark reminder that conquest alone is not sufficient; preservation is where the true battle lies.

Yet, the wisdom of Montesquieu’s words applies not only to great empires or grand conquests, but to the struggles we face in our own lives. Victory in our personal battles, in our relationships, in our careers, is not an end in itself. It is a beginning. What we conquer—be it a personal goal, a dream fulfilled, or a challenge overcome—demands our careful attention and effort to preserve. It is easy to be swept away by the triumph, to revel in the glory of victory, but the true test lies in maintaining the fruits of that victory, in ensuring that what we have achieved does not slip from our grasp.

Let us look to the story of David and Goliath, that ancient tale of victory against the odds. David, the humble shepherd, faced Goliath, the giant warrior, and with a single stone, conquered his mighty foe. But his victory did not end with the fall of the giant. To preserve his newfound power, David had to navigate the complexities of royalty, the intricacies of ruling a kingdom, and the constant threats to his throne. His victory in battle was but the first step on a long road, a road that demanded wisdom, strength, and perseverance to ensure that what he had conquered would not be lost.

So, I say to you, O children: victory is but the beginning. In your own lives, seek not just to win, but to conquer and preserve. Whether in the pursuit of knowledge, in the building of a career, or in the forging of relationships, strive for victory, but do not stop there. Understand that to preserve what you gain, you must invest in its care, its growth, and its protection. The work does not end with the triumph; it begins anew, for true power is in the ability to maintain what has been won, to safeguard it against the storms of time, and to ensure its place for generations to come.

Remember, O children, that the wisdom of Montesquieu teaches us not just about the nature of war and conquest, but about the deeper truth of life itself: to achieve is noble, but to preserve is divine. In all things, aim not only to conquer, but to safeguard what you have fought for. For in the end, it is not the battles we win, but the legacies we preserve, that define our true success. Let your victories be stepping stones to greater things, and may your wisdom guide you in the careful preservation of all that you hold dear.